What Do I Do With a Snapping Turtle Egg?

As with any developing organism, snapping turtle eggs are highly delicate structures. Care and attention are important, but the quality of that care and the environment is vital. Several factors are required to preserve the embryo's life and health.
    • Careful care of eggs will produce a happy turtle

    Eggs in The Wild

    • If the eggs are in the wild and there is no intention to take care of them, do not touch the eggs or the surrounding nest. Turtle eggs in the wild are currently protected by law.

    Initial Care

    • Initially, the turtle eggs should be placed in a plastic container about the size of a shoe box. The container should be filled with about an inch of moistened vermiculite, a mineral that expands when heated.

    Incubation

    • The embryos typically take about three to four months to hatch. During this time, it is important to keep the eggs in a moist environment between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Hatching

    • The snapping turtle will use its sharp egg tooth to break the eggs. The turtle may take a few days to fully emerge after this. The turtle also may still be digesting egg yoke and may not accept food for a few days.

    Warning

    • It is important to keep the egg from rotating near the beginning of its existence. Rotating the egg may kill it.

    Tip

    • If male turtles are desired, the egg should be kept in an environment around 72° Fahrenheit; for females, around 78°.